Sierra Club flotilla advocates TVA switch from coal

July 27th, 2013by The Tennessean in Local - Breaking News

Kayakers hold a banner during a protest demanding a strong federal standards limiting the water pollution from oak power plants in Cumberland River in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, July 27, 2013. / Jae S. Lee / The Tennessean

Photo by
The Tennessean /Times Free Press.

A flotilla of kayakers paddled through downtown Nashville on the Cumberland River this morning, holding a banner reading: "Let's move TVA beyond coal."

It was a message from the Sierra Club, highlighting what it sees as a need for stronger federal standards to limit toxic water pollution from coal-fired power plants. Ultimately, the group is calling for the shuttering of Tennessee Valley Authority coal plants.

The event coincides with the release of a new national report by a coalition of environmental and clean water groups, including the Sierra Club, reviewing nearly 400 coal plant water permits across the country, including permits for Tennessee's eight coal plants. Sierra Club members say the report's findings highlight the need for stronger standards.